Camping in the 4Runner?

[BenSD]

I really like the idea of the cot. What brand are you using? I think that would really be the ideal setup because I could clear the seat cushion and the wheel wells.

When I go camping, it's usually for the purpose of landscape photography. In the local desert, I can literally park and camp at the location for the sunrise shoot, so it would be great if I don't have to mess of breaking down a tent when heading to the next location.

 

[ak4r]

The PS2000 powerpack/inverter I got from Costco last year is 400w continuous/800w surge. It powers the 12 volt stuff I have (blanket, fan, coffeemaker) but 110 ac use consumes power fast.

Gromulus, what are your plans with installing a second battery? I like your retracting canopy idea that attaches to the roof rack. Where did you get it?

The cots I use in the back are being used in hunting camp and won't be flown back to Anchorage till the end of Oct. I don't remember the brand but they came from REI. I'll let you know sooner if I find the receipt but I bet REI can fix you up.

 

[kglueck]

Tell me more about these backpacking cots? What kind and where did you get them? I like this idea but have not really found what I am looking for.
As far a screen, you might be able to just buy a roll of the black nylon screen and then use some of the strip magnets to attach it around the windows. I have not tried this but I read about it somewhere.

heh...yep, I posted a mention of it about 6 months ago or so...you prolly read my post a while back or read the post I got the idea from. can't remember where it came up, tho.

I took some nylon screen material that I bought a roll of (make sure it's nylon, don't want to scratch your paint with sharp metal pointy edges where you cut the screen). Then, got some rolls of adhesive magnets at hobby lobby. the adhesive doesn't hold well, but will suffice while assembling it. I then used an awl and poked holes through the magnet ever few inches and uses some small, waxed cord (bigger than thread, closer to something like baseball thread) and sewed the magnets to the screen. I made one for the sunroof and one for the back window (sunroof was MUUUCH easier).

the weekend I used it, it was very VERY windy and so it's been tested in 45+ mph winds and worked like a champ. The other nice thing is that you can still close the windows w/o taking it off, so if it gets too cold or starts to rain, you can always close 'em without getting out of the vehicle.

 

[Gromulus]

Sport Shade

Gromulus, what are your plans with installing a second battery? I like your retracting canopy idea that attaches to the roof rack. Where did you get it?

The retractable canopy is a Sport Shade, available from several on-line sources:

http://accessory-center.com/prod.plx/30/3845/3136?f7431=SportsShade&f7432=with+Blue+Banner

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Tailgaters/portable_retractable_awning.htm

The retractable shade is a thinner material and probably not as durable as most PE or polyester canopies. I have only used it a few times and it seems fine for shade and light rain. Not sure how it would hold up to a moderate storm. The advantages are relative portability (although long) and fast set-up/take-down.

The dual battery project will probably wait until next spring. I was hoping another 4th gen owner would beat me to the punch! BajaTaco has a good set-up in his Tacoma and I may follow his lead with the Xantrex Pathmaker or look into the Hellroaring unit.

 

[biglatka]

The PS2000 powerpack/inverter I got from Costco last year is 400w continuous/800w surge. It powers the 12 volt stuff I have (blanket, fan, coffeemaker) but 110 ac use consumes power fast.

That power supply doesn't seem to be available at Costco anymore. The best they have is the 320W continuous/600w surge Xantrex 400 plus. I'm not a member at Costco (closet store is in the next state) so I looked it up on Amazon, they have the Xantrex for $85. I ordered one, no shipping or tax. Now I understand about the hairdryer

 

[Offroader]

Hairdryer=Bad Idea

That power supply doesn't seem to be available at Costco anymore. The best they have is the 320W continuous/600w surge Xantrex 400 plus. I'm not a member at Costco (closet store is in the next state) so I looked it up on Amazon, they have the Xantrex for $85. I ordered one, no shipping or tax. Now I understand about the hairdryer

A hairdryer usually consumes 1200 watts, so I don't see how you can run it with a 400 watt inverter.

 

[ak4r]

No heat and low fan I think but the dog and I run when that thing comes on. I do use it to speed up the charcoals. Anyway the digital watt usage shows about 200 watts at this setting.

 

[4runaway]

Great suggestion, AK4R! I imagine that having a cot would place my bod up closer to the truck's headliner, but that would be better than what I recently experienced.

I just came back from Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon where I used my 95 4Runner as my sleeper. I folded down the rear seats and pushed the passenger seat forward (although that doesn't matter too much since the rear seat only folds forward so far). I had my ice chest, camping supplies blankets, etc. I kept the tailgate closed due to the intermittent summer storms.

I'm 6'1" and if I had another, say, 3 inches, I would not have needed to bend my legs. Most of the time I sleep in the fetal position, but I never realized how much I liked stretching until I slept in my 4Runner. I need to sleep at an angle with my legs propped over my supplies.

For any under, say, 5' 11", I imagine there wouldn't be a problem. But, had I even given thought to the cot, I would have brought mine.

Ventilation, it does get hot. Having a battery operated fan would have been nice. I cracked my windows open a bit, but of course, there were bug and desert rain issues. I pretty much woke up every few hours to run the a/c. Netting is a good idea and I agree, I wish there were a way to access the rear window via the back with having to reach out to the front and turn on the ignition.

Nonetheless, it's possible and it's great. Just plan enough room to place your body in the back.

 

[Snagglepus]

Venting Without Bugs

This is a follow up to some really old posts regarding camping in the back of 4Runners. The secret to ventilation without skeeters is to purchase sun screens for both rear windows. You can find them on Amazon-pull down over the entire door frame and you close the door with the nylon screen on both sides of the window. You can open the window inside this screen sandwich and they also provide a little privacy. Nice cross ventilation. I will look for a link and add it to another post.

 

[Snagglepus]

Auto Sun Screens For ULV/Ventalation

I see them on Amazon and EBay. Here is an EBay link: 2Pcs Window Sun Shade Mesh Cover Baby UV Protector Shield Curtain for Car SUV | eBay

Cheap and work fantastic for camping out of your 4Runner.

 

[Raingler_Nets]

Heavy Duty Bug Screens

 

[Snagglepus]

Over frame screens

You must be a vendor. Definitely a nice looking screen however they are on the upper end of the market price it seems. Must have some other feature that we can’t see. I think EBay sells two screens for about $15 which slip down the rear windows. Are we missing something here?
Chuck

 

[originalg00kster]

Heavy Duty Bug Screens

I take it these fit the 4th Gen 4runner as well?

 

[ElectroBoy]

Heavy Duty Bug Screens

Ok. You show a photo with no explanation. Your website has low res photos. Can’t really see enough detail to understand how they attach. And I’m guessing there are two window screens for the rear windows only. How about installation instructions? Give us the whole story. You’re gonna have to do better to convince anyone to spend $75 for these bug screens.

 

[HOJeepster]

Kinda off topic, but have you guys ever taken your 4Runner camping? Instead of pitching a tent, one could just use an small inflatable bed in the 4Runner.

I'm planning a trip up to Maine / New Hampshire and wondered if this was feasible for a 2 day trip. Of course the only problems will be finding a suitable place to park the 4Runner and secondly a place to take a shower.

Is this post for ****ing real? :doh:

 

[Raingler_Nets]

[MENTION=296946]Snagglepus[/MENTION]: Absolutely! Many, many cheaper all over the internet. We made some after repeated requests for a much stronger (that can actually go through brush and branches etc) version of the stretchy Chinese one size fits all variety. These are a small run item currently and only offered based upon many interested from social media postings. We figured we'd reach out to the T4R forum (yes, we sponsor this forum and have a sub-forum here).

[MENTION=122249]originalg00kster[/MENTION]: So we make them very specific to the Gen 4Runner (5th gen currently, contact us if you may be interested in a 4th gen set) in a military grade, no stretch, ripstop mesh screen. We use our high quality no stretch Paracord with the best snap locks. We really want them to last the life of the vehicle like all of our products and of course it's the quality of what we do that is the expense.

[MENTION=200736]ElectroBoy[/MENTION]. Above link with detail above the images. Higher Resolution In regards to installation, it's a glove of sorts. Slide it over the top of the door frame and pull the snap lock cord. Literally 5 seconds and it's tight and stays put. Not trying to convince anyone, simply what we run and for owners that want something better than what Ebay and Amazon sell for their rig.

 

[ElectroBoy]

[MENTION=296946]Snagglepus[/MENTION]: Absolutely! Many, many cheaper all over the internet. We made some after repeated requests for a much stronger (that can actually go through brush and branches etc) version of the stretchy Chinese one size fits all variety. These are a small run item currently and only offered based upon many interested from social media postings. We figured we'd reach out to the T4R forum (yes, we sponsor this forum and have a sub-forum here).

[MENTION=122249]originalg00kster[/MENTION]: So we make them very specific to the Gen 4Runner (5th gen currently, contact us if you may be interested in a 4th gen set) in a military grade, no stretch, ripstop mesh screen. We use our high quality no stretch Paracord with the best snap locks. We really want them to last the life of the vehicle like all of our products and of course it's the quality of what we do that is the expense.

[MENTION=200736]ElectroBoy[/MENTION]. Above link with detail above the images. Higher Resolution In regards to installation, it's a glove of sorts. Slide it over the top of the door frame and pull the snap lock cord. Literally 5 seconds and it's tight and stays put. Not trying to convince anyone, simply what we run and for owners that want something better than what Ebay and Amazon sell for their rig.

Thanks for the more detailed photos. Now I understand. They look like a well thought out design. Any chance of a discounted group buy?

 

[azgold]

I lived in my 4 runner ( 3rd gen) for 6 months in Arizona. A foam sleeping cushion is the way to go.

 

[originalg00kster]

[MENTION=296946]Snagglepus[/MENTION]: Absolutely! Many, many cheaper all over the internet. We made some after repeated requests for a much stronger (that can actually go through brush and branches etc) version of the stretchy Chinese one size fits all variety. These are a small run item currently and only offered based upon many interested from social media postings. We figured we'd reach out to the T4R forum (yes, we sponsor this forum and have a sub-forum here).

[MENTION=122249]originalg00kster[/MENTION]: So we make them very specific to the Gen 4Runner (5th gen currently, contact us if you may be interested in a 4th gen set) in a military grade, no stretch, ripstop mesh screen. We use our high quality no stretch Paracord with the best snap locks. We really want them to last the life of the vehicle like all of our products and of course it's the quality of what we do that is the expense.

[MENTION=200736]ElectroBoy[/MENTION]. Above link with detail above the images. Higher Resolution In regards to installation, it's a glove of sorts. Slide it over the top of the door frame and pull the snap lock cord. Literally 5 seconds and it's tight and stays put. Not trying to convince anyone, simply what we run and for owners that want something better than what Ebay and Amazon sell for their rig.

Yeah, I am very interested. Looks like it'll last for sure. How's the air flow?

Also, just got this mod done a couple of days ago. Probably the best mod I'll ever do to my 4runner. Functional!

Ultimate camping mod- rear window up / down and hatch pop with ignition off!
[MENTION=165350]nytosc[/MENTION] did an awesome job!

 

[MSRP.]

I really like the idea of the cot. What brand are you using? I think that would really be the ideal setup because I could clear the seat cushion and the wheel wells.

When I go camping, it's usually for the purpose of landscape photography. In the local desert, I can literally park and camp at the location for the sunrise shoot, so it would be great if I don't have to mess of breaking down a tent when heading to the next location.

I can confirm that one of the Bass Pro cotts fit nicely with/without the rear seat cushion being removed on a 4th gen. You will need to put something into the void of the footwell to make the head level OR
sleep with your head towards the rear, so that the slight downward angle is for your feet and park your car on a slight incline with the rear slightly higher.

If sleeping two people, I throw my gear into the rooftop box and keep things dry. Rear cargo basket as a cooking platform. Works REAL well during a race-track weekend until it gets hot and humid..

An electric drivetrain SUV (Rivian) would be super fun... imagine having AC while camping like people currently do with Teslas!

RE: Windowscreens, I just purchased a roll of patio door screen, cut to size, and secured with a combination of rare earth magnets and magnet strips to keep out the skeeters. Sure as hell ain't gonna last a lifetime, but the roll will easily do all 6 windows including the rear and sunroof, maybe a few more for $25.